HempWorks Wisconsin: Hemp, CBD store to open on Fond du Lac's North Main Street | Streetwise

HempWorks Wisconsin owners and co-founders Ben Mueller and Matt Wirtz stand next to a logo painted on a wall at their store, which will sell hemp and CBD products.(Photo: Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

FOND DU LAC – Looking to buy hemp and CBD products? HempWorks Wisconsin, 188 N. Main St., will have you covered once it opens later this week.

Business partners Matt Wirtz and Ben Mueller had the idea to start the business after Wirtz lived for seven years in Colorado. He saw people, who couldn't afford or acquire some medicines, turn to the products as an alternative.

In products made from hemp and cannabidiol, known as "CBD" for short, the two saw a way to offer an alternative medicine. Wirtz describes hemp as “marijuana’s sober cousin,” meaning it is not psychoactive and does not produce a high like marijuana.

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HempWorks Wisconsin co-owners and co-founders Ben Mueller and Matt Wirtz put a display together Feb. 22 as they get ready to open their store, which will sell hemp and CBD products, on March 1.(Photo: Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The product is being touted as having many benefits for a variety of ailments, including arthritis, anxiety, glaucoma and general aches and pains. While data is small — but growing — on the list of conditions it can help treat, studies have shown it to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, pain and epileptic episodes, as well as have antipsychotic properties, according to the World Health Organization.

Unlike marijuana, both are legal in the state of Wisconsin to sell, as long as it doesn’t surpass the threshold of .3 percent THC — the part of marijuana that produces a high. Under this threshold, the growing and processing of industrial hemp was made legal with the institution of the Wisconsin Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. In 2018, the passage of the Farm Bill removed hemp from its spot on a list of illegal narcotics, according to USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporting.

As Mueller and Wirtz add their products to Fond du Lac’s marketplace, they are looking to do so in a way that appeals to all age groups, including an older generation. The store will differ from the typical “hot shops” look, with no smoking paraphernalia stationed in the windows, said Wirtz. Instead, they would like to create an inviting atmosphere where people can feel comfortable to come in and take a look around, said Mueller.

“We are professionals and we want them to know what we strive for is to give them what they need at an affordable and reasonable price,” Wirtz said.

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HempWorks Wisconsin co-owners and co-founders Ben Mueller and Matt Wirtz, as well as store manager Natasha Timm, work on their computers Feb. 22, as they get ready to open the store located at 188 N. Main St. in Fond du Lac. The store, which will sell hemp and CBD products, is set to open March 1.(Photo: Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Stepping inside the store located in the shopping complex beside Walgreen's, customers will see a variety of products, including CBD and hemp concentrates, lotions, balms, edibles, tinctures, cooking supplies and more, according to its Facebook page. For those looking to ask questions, employees will be on hand to assist with a goal to educate the public, said Wirtz.

“They can come in and tell us what they’re trying to fix and we have the knowledge and the capability to get the right product in their hands,” said Wirtz.

Education will be available at the store’s grand opening on Friday, March 1, as supplier representatives will be available to talk about their specific products. Seminars on CDB will also take place, as well as giveaways and product tastings.

Although not yet open, the store is already drawing lots of excitement and inquiries from those looking to purchase products, said Wirtz. Once open, Mueller and Wirtz invite everyone to come and see what they’re about.

“There’s literally no reason not to give it a try,” said Wirtz of their products.

Alan Hovorka and Rick Romell contributed to this report.

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HempWorks Wisconsin co-owner and co-founder Matt Wirtz holds up some store merchandise at the store located at 188 N. Main St. in Fond du Lac.(Photo: Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Stop in at HempWorks Wisconsin

HempWorks Wisconsin, 188 N. Main St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday beginning Friday.